622 rescuers search for 129 missing after Indonesian passenger ship capsizes

More than 600 Indonesian rescuers, along with approximately 12 vessels, are currently searching for 129 people still unaccounted for following a passenger ship capsizing in the Java Sea. As of September 14, the death toll remains at six, according to a national rescue agency official. The Virgo Transport 8, carrying 243 passengers, encountered difficulties early on September 13 due to adverse weather conditions while en route from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan.

Authorities have successfully rescued 108 individuals from the vessel. I Putu Sudayana, head of the Banjarmasin rescue agency, confirmed that the search efforts have continued since early morning and that 622 personnel, along with about 12 ships, are being deployed to aid in the rescue operation. There has been no increase in the death toll as of the morning of September 14.

A video released by the rescue agency depicted the large red-and-black vessel capsized and partially submerged in turbulent blue waters, with its red-painted underside visible above the surface. Additionally, two smaller boats carrying people were observed nearby. On September 13, Edy Prakoso, another rescue agency official, reported that the ship had tilted significantly to one side after strong waves struck its starboard side.

The vessel was spotted after it capsized by a passing helicopter, as reported by Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi on September 13. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. In August, Indonesia experienced two separate ferry-related maritime accidents. In one incident, a ferry carrying hundreds of passengers caught fire at sea, resulting in five deaths.

In another incident, a fire aboard a ferry traveling from the tourist island of Bali claimed the life of one person.